April 26, 2007 – Seventeen swimmers participated in the April 22nd practice swim in preparation for the 4th annual Friends' Beach-to-Beach Power Swim scheduled for May 27. "This is the largest turnout we've had at a first practice swim." said Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Development Director Karen Brady, "We are very excited about the growing popularity of this event around the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and in the States."
David Nielsam from St. Thomas finished the one-mile course from Maho to Cinnamon Bay first with a time of 24:05, and his wife Kendra Nielsam was not too far behind him. David and Kendra are training hard, preparing to defend their titles as last year's overall winners on the intermediate course in both the men's and women's divisions. The April 22nd practice swim was challenging given the limited visibility and choppy waters, but all 17 swimmers did an excellent job negotiating the course while under the watchful eye of the safety kayakers for added protection.
The next practice swim will take place at 8 a.m., on May 6, at the north end of Maho Bay beach. Swimmers will have a safety kayak escort to Trunk Bay; however, swimmers may exit at Cinnamon Bay if they choose. This event is free and all swimmers are welcome.
Practice Swim Results Maho Bay to Cinnamon Bay
David Nielsam (St. Thomas) 24:05
Liz Davis (St. Thomas) 25:45
Matt Crafts (St. John) 26:30
Jude Woodcock (St. John) 27:53
Eric Bauman (St. John) 27:59
Rhys Wyman (St. Thomas) 29:00
Ted Kelliher (St. John) 31:03
Dick Burks (St. John) 31:22
Suzanna Pershern (St. John) 32:06
Ron Hawes (St. John) 32:06
Eric Gershman (Visitor) 34:00
Kendra Nielsam (St. Thomas) 35:08
Mary Burks (St. John) 35:30
Steve Kotas (St. John) 36:06
Gaylin Vogel (St. Thomas) 36:22
Glen Miller (St. Thomas) 36:45
Bonnie Burkholder (St. John) 39:48
